Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
